In their review,
Cashbox stated that "a prestigious solo debut is made by LaToya Jackson with her sultry new LP for Private I Records. “Heart Don’t Lie” is an album packed with top notch dance tunes, from the reggae tinged single “Heart Don’t Lie” to the partying trumpet funk of “Hot Potato.” Jackson’s singing has a satiny texture that gives these tunes a rich smoothness. Together with the instrumental excellence of a crack studio band, Jackson’s performance on this LP should win her the attention she deserves."
The Afro-American described the opening "Think Twice" as a "rocker" and compared "
Hot Potato" to an
Evelyn King song. The
LP's A-side closes with a cover
Prince's "
Private Joy" with which Jackson, according to the
Los Angeles Times "matches Prince's intensity with her own hard-edged snap, crackle and pop."
Dave Marsh of
Rolling Stone described the album as "the one Jackson record you don't hear on the radio", which, "given the all-encompassing aura of the phenomenon [...] ought to give you a strong sense of the banality of what's stored in this set of grooves. La Toya can carry a tune but she can't really project her voice , much less sell a song."
Chris Albertson of
Stereo Review said that "judging by [this album], producer Amir Bayyan is aware of her limitations—at least, that would account for his drowning her voice in some very strong, rhythmic arrangements. This is an eminently forgettable release."
AllMusic commented that there are "a handful of guilty pleasures here that are, if not much else, very catchy, making this a wise investment for anyone curious about the music of the Jackson family 'outcast'." ==Track listing==